oct102015meeting

Italian-American Genealogy Group (Washington, DC Metropolitan Area)

October 10, 2015 Meeting Minutes

The Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Italian-American Genealogy Group held its quarterly meeting on Saturday, October 10, 2015. There were 21 members and guests in attendance.

The meeting’s speaker was Thomas H. Shawker, MD, a physician formerly with the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Shawker is a nationally recognized lecturer on genetics and chairman of the NGS Genetic Genealogy Committee. In 2004 he authored the NGS book, Unlocking Your Genetic History. Dr. Shawker’s presentation was entitled “Basic Genetic Genealogy: Y Chromosome Testing for Beginners.” He introduced the topic by explaining the Y chromosome test, which is the most popular and basic genetic test. Dr. Shawker also explained the DNA molecule, the types and number of DNA markers used in genetic genealogy, and the mode of inheritance of the Y chromosome and how it follows male descendants.

During his presentation a question was raised concerning which of the commercial DNA testing organizations provide the best types of DNA results and that might be most helpful for identifying blood relatives who share genetic markers. (A genetic marker is a gene or DNA sequence on a chromosome that can be used to identify individuals.) Ancestry.com and Family Tree DNA were cited as reliable companies.

Following Dr. Shawker's presentation we had our usual round table discussions by sharing our personal ancestral research questions and accomplishment.

Brad Jansen suggested we reach out to younger people by creating an informal Facebook group. It was agreed and Brad provided a Facebook link for us and others to join. If interested, please go to this link and ask to join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/930431287038610/

Submitted by: John DiBella, Recording Secretary
Keep digging and cite your sources.

~ Our next meeting:

Our next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Saturday January 9, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Westover Branch Library, 1644 N. McKinley Road, Arlington, VA 22205 (703) 228-5260. Join us for our round table sharing of our ancestral research.. You can verify the actual date, time and place by viewing our website at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vapip6gs.

The speaker and topic for our January 9, 2016, meeting is Mr. John DiBella, who will present a brief talk about his grandparents' status and how a U.S. law originating in 1798 evolved into the enemy alien situation some Italians experienced during World War II.

tricolor bar

Other information:

~ Are there any retired public relations people looking for a fun project? We would like someone to develop a flyer to use as a handout with information about our Italian-American Genealogy Group (Washington, DC Metropolitan Area). We would like to distribute these flyers at upcoming events to let people know there is a genealogy group in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area that they can join. Please submit your ideas to this Webmaster with IAGG Flyer in the subject line. Thank you.

Our meetings run from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. After our meetings everyone is always welcome to join us for lunch at a local restaurant.

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